::::Lara is giving away a copy of DraculaVille (winners’ choice of paperback or eBook) to one winner at each blog stop. Open to international readers as well. How do you enter to win? Just leave a comment. Remember remember to leave your email addy or check back later to see if you won::::

Why do we love Dracula?

I have to admit, when I was young and watched Dracula movies, I always pulled for him. I wanted him to escape with his female victim and beat the good guys.

Strange?

Maybe so, but I’m not the only person fascinated with the vampire legend. It’s been going on for years, and will likely continue. People keep saying vampires are old news, but personally, I don’t see the loss of interest just yet.

So, what is it that makes us love this monster? These are my opinions, but they make sense to me.

First, of all the monsters we’ve built over the years, he’s the best looking as a monster. No one wants a date with Frankenstein or the Mummy. And the Werewolf is only hot when he’s in his human form. Creature from the Black Lagoon? Damp and Yech. But Drac is dark and mysterious and ahem, rich. Definitely the best bachelor of the lot.

Second, he has something to offer his female victim. That bite on the neck is supposed to be the next best thing to orgasm. Then there’s the whole turning into a vampire and living forever with your lover thing, too. Hey, it’s gotta be cool being able to fly and crawl on the ceiling, not to mention commanding some of the darker creatures of the night to do your bidding. All the other monsters just want to kill you…

Third, Clothes. Yep, Drac’s wardrobe rocks. A tuxedo with a black cape? Almost as good as a military uniform to attract the fairer sex.

Fourth, He the tortured male we all want to save by our love. We don’t want to be the female he kills just for a snack. We want to be the one he bites so we can live with him forever, because he loves us so much.

So, those are my theories. What do you guys think? Why do you love Dracula?

I hope you’ll also check out my latest release, DraculaVille – New York, for a new twist on the vampire story. It’s available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble in both E-book and print. And stop by my website to let me know how you liked it!

DraculaVille – New York

Blurb: When Advertising Executive Talia Quinton takes on the unwelcome job of promoting the country of Romania, she has no idea it will involve rescuing a real vampire and being thrust into a conflict among warring vampire factions in New York.
She and her rescued vampire, Drake, must fight for their lives to protect their growing love for each other and escape capture in time to present Talia’s campaign to the Romanians.

For Talia’s groomed Drake to become Dracula, the spokesperson for a multi-billion dollar project to build an adult fantasy them park/resort in Transylvania called….DraculaVille.

I am so glad you could join us here at RomanceJunkies. To start, will you please tell us a little bit about your current projects?

Lara: I am crazy busy this year. I’m currently putting the finishing touches on the third book in my steampunk trilogy( Airship Adventure Chronicles), and then I’ll be starting the second book in the DraculaVille Series. In the meantime, I’ll be working on edits for a mystery called, Murder in the World Below that will be coming out in April. So, whew!

When was the moment that you knew you had to be a writer?

Lara:When I finished my first novel. It takes a long time and a lot of determination to complete something that takes 3 – 4 months. When I did it and liked it, I knew it was for me.

Every writer dreams of getting “the call”. What were you doing when yours came? Who got to hear the good news first?

Lara:I have received calls from publishers and an agent. Both times my husband heard about it first and there was champagne after that!

Who gave you the one piece of writing advice that sticks with you to this day?

Lara: Judi McCoy who always said to stop worrying about the little things and just finish the damn book. You can worry about the details in editing stages. She was right.

Describe the “perfect” hero. What about the “perfect” hero for you?

Lara:The perfect hero is a strong man who is self sufficient in most ways, but there’s that one tiny, hidden flaw that makes him vulnerable and he needs a woman to deal with that.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? Do you have any hobbies or collections?

Lara:I live on a sailboat, so sailing of course. I also like reading, cooking and making jewelry.

What has been your biggest adventure to date?

Lara:Probably my trip to the Middle East. There’s always a feeling of danger there despite the beauty and unique locals.

If your fairy godmother waved her wand and whisked you away to the location of your choice, which place would you choose, and why?

Lara:The Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever been and I can’t wait to go back, hopefully by boat.

When it comes to food, are you the adventurous type who will try anything once, or do you prefer to stick to tried and true foods and recipes?

Lara:I’m adventurous. I love trying new dishes and new cuisines. I won’t do anything gross though, like ants or something creepy.

What is the one modern convenience that you cannot do without?

Lara:Paper towels!

What is this romance writer’s idea of the “ideal romantic evening”?

Lara:I love being anchored out in a secluded cove at night with some candles burning, a good glass of red wine and my honey, looking at the stars.

How do you describe yourself? How would your family and friends describe you?

Lara:I’m a healer and protector (my day job is as a nurse practitioner) I’m also very creative and am constantly trying new hobbies.

And lastly, no interview of a writer would be complete without this question: what is your favorite comfort food?

Lara:Mac ‘n cheese!!

What is your favorite season? What do you love about it?

Lara:I love spring and fall equally. Both have moderate weather and are transitions to more extreme seasons, so full of promise.

What project are you working on next?

Lara:The second DraculaVille book is my next project.

Any place we can find you in person or on the net this month or next?

Lara:I’m doing blog tours all over the place for both DraculaVille, my first steampunk book, Revenge of the Mad Scientist, and in March for my award winning paranormal romance, Memories of Murder.

Check around and I’ll probably be there! You can always visit on my website: www.laranance.com where there’s usually a contest of some sort going on.

About the Author:

Lara Nance grew up and lived in many cites throughout the South. She loves to write in a variety of genres, but the basis of all of her stories is a great tale of entertaining women’s fiction that will take you on an adventure of imagination. Smart stories that make you wonder, and live the romances you dream about.

If you want to escape and lose yourself in a novel, you’ve come to the right place. Choose your genre and settle in to be entertained. From thrilling mysteries and steampunk tales to paranormal romance and adventure, she’s willing to explore a variety of compelling stories full of danger and suspense, along with a touch of romance.

Having been on the fencing team in college and now living on a sailboat convinces her that she was a pirate in another life, or possibly kin to Errol Flynn… However, due to the unfortunate demise of the romantic pirates of the past, she lives out her fantasies, thrills and adventures in her stories. Lara loves to weave interesting true historical tidbits into her fiction which invite the reader to explore further after the novel is finished.

Currently docked in Norfolk, Virginia (until the wind changes) Lara enjoys living on her sailboat and spends time reading, of course writing, indulging a variety of artistic endeavors, cooking and sailing with her husband, Joe and their Yorkie, Rio.

I am a fan of Vampires… this series has my attention. I really like the sound of the book’s blurb… have to keep it in mind. It was great to learn about you & your book from the interview. Have to hop over to your website and look around. Thanks for sharing!
greenshamrock AT cox DOT net

I loved reading the story summary. I think that one of the things that appeals to me regarding Dracula as a hero is the time he has had to learn about all sorts of things, to practice any skill he wishes to perfect, and to hopefully accumulate a good bit of wealth.